Climate change is a pressing issue that affects every corner of the globe. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other environmental changes, it is crucial that we address this issue with urgency and clarity. However, recent research suggests that the use of terms like “climate crisis,” “climate emergency,” and “climate justice” may not be as effective in conveying the seriousness of the situation as we might think.
According to a recent survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 5,137 Americans, it was found that people are more familiar with and concerned about climate change and global warming than they are about alternative terms like climate crisis and climate emergency. In fact, the survey showed that the familiar terms of climate change and global warming elicited at least as much, if not more, concern, perceived urgency, and willingness to act compared to the alternative terms. This was consistent across political affiliations, with Republicans, Democrats, and independents responding similarly.
As psychologists who have studied how Americans respond to climate change communication, we have found that using straightforward language is key to effectively conveying the message. People often feel overwhelmed and disconnected when faced with complex jargon like “adaptation,” “mitigation,” and “sustainability.” In a study published in 2021, participants expressed a desire for experts to use more familiar terms in their communication.
To address this need for clarity, we published a quick guide to climate jargon in The Conversation, emphasizing the importance of using everyday language to make information more accessible and understandable to a wider audience. While experts may be accustomed to using technical terms, it is essential to consider the perspective of the general public and communicate in a way that resonates with them.
The evolution of terms like climate change and global warming has also played a role in shaping public perception. Historically, people were more likely to associate global warming with human-induced warming of the planet, while climate change was seen as a broader term encompassing overall climate shifts. The popularization of the term climate change has been attributed to political influences, with Democrats and Republicans initially perceiving different levels of seriousness between the two terms.
In recent years, alternative terms like climate crisis, climate emergency, and climate justice have emerged to highlight different aspects of the climate change issue. While these terms aim to convey urgency and emphasize the human rights implications of climate change, they may not be as effective in eliciting concern and inspiring action as the more familiar terms of climate change and global warming.
In conclusion, it is essential to avoid using overheated language when discussing climate change. By sticking to familiar terms that people understand, such as global warming for rising temperatures and climate change for overall climate shifts, we can effectively communicate the urgency of the situation and encourage meaningful action to address this critical issue.